By: Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RD   Date: 10/30/09

As the holidays are approaching so does the array of delicious sweets that make seasonal indulgence acceptable. However, along with that includes the dreaded 5lbs we always seem to accumulate. 

Make this holiday not about the candy but the enjoyable time you can spend making memories and having fun together.

This Halloween… 

·        Be creative with costumes and get your child excited to dress up or paint faces.

·        Carve pumpkins together (with some inspirational ideas or pumpkin stencils).

·        Go apple picking at your local orchard.

·        Bake some homemade treats.

·        Make Halloween cards using coloring pages and printable clip art.

·        Put together some Crafty Creations including candy dishes, window decorations, and festive bags.

Kid Candy Overload?

Halloween only comes once a year so allow yourself and your kids to have some extra treats. Be sure to fill them up with a healthy dinner before they go out which will help them from overeating candy later. Once the night is over, try putting the candy out of sight and allowing your child to choose a few pieces to eat a day.  Perhaps try freezing the extras or donating it to a local church or school.

Affordable Fun 

Save on candy treats this year and visit your local dollar store for holiday stickers, gooey worms, toys, erasers, gum, popcorn and even decorations!

Enjoy this season by making the most of it without focusing on the sweets.

Remember, moderation is key. So have some chocolates here and there and make sure to celebrate with festive activities!